Collins forced out of date in Cyprus
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Wales have been hit by the late withdrawal of the defender James Collins from their squad for Wednesday's friendly international in Cyprus.
The West Ham defender reported to the Wales team hotel near Heathrow to be examined by the team doctor, and was immediately ruled out with a calf injury. It is a bitter blow for Collins, who has yet to figure in a Premiership game this season since his summer move from Cardiff.
The Wales manager John Toshack has warned both Collins and West Bromwich Albion's Robert Earnshaw that their lack of regular match practice could eventually jeopardise their place in the Wales squad.
With Bristol City's David Partridge already ruled out following a leg muscle injury picked up after just 18 minutes of the defeat by Swindon on Friday, it means that Toshack has defensive problems for the match in Limassol. That meant a late call-up for the Cardiff City defender Rhys Weston, but it is too late to replace Collins, with the team due to fly out from Heathrow early tomorrow morning.
But Toshack does have Coventry City's Richard Duffy and Aston Villa's Mark Delaney, who can both play in the centre of defence in an emergency.
A Football Association of Wales spokesman said: "Nobody else will be called in at this late stage. James arrived at the hotel at about 7pm and that hasn't given us much time to do anything about it."
Wales have already lost the Cardiff pair Jason Koumas (groin) and Joe Ledley (ankle), while the Under-21s have been hit by the withdrawals of the Swansea City midfielder Owain Tudur-Jones and Mansfield Town's Mark Birchall.
That has meant a first call-up for Lloyd James, the Southampton central midfielder. Wrexham's Matthew Crowell has also been added to a squad that has flown out to Cyprus.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments